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What do you do when someone takes action that has a positive impact? You thank them, of course. And that is exactly what members of the Clarion University Alumni Association (CUAA) Board of Directors did during the January 27, 2010 Thank-a-Thon. As part of the outreach effort, 333 individuals who made donations to Clarion University during the past year received a personal call from a board member. "With money from the state dwindling every year, generosity from the private sector is increasingly important," said CUAA Board President Pat Kahle ('92). "It was important to let donors know we appreciate their gifts - past gifts as well as future gifts - and that Clarion cannot maintain excellence in our programming and facilities without their help." |
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| Kahle and the troops |
Board Member Stephanie Corso ('07) stressed the need to thank all donors regardless of the size of the gift: "Increasing our participation rate is a major goal. As our participation rate increases we may qualify for additional funding grants and other gifts. No matter how small or large the gift, we wanted to say thank you."
"This activity was a great opportunity to solidify the connection between the university and those who make donations," said Board Member Richard Malacarne ('63). "I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this outreach and the one-on-one conversations I had with alumni and friends."
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| Malacarne and Mills at command central |
"I received a call from Jean Mills ('59, '74), whom I know personally," said Marjorie Sheffel ('52) of Murrysville, PA.
"I thought it was very nice to receive a call from someone from my era, who called just to say thank you. It was a nice personal touch."
Led by Kahle, the CUAA Board consists of 25 members from around the country who serve as the major communication link between the university and the alumni. Board members foster a spirit of loyalty among alumni, students, and friends of Clarion University.
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| Bailey |
The following board members participated in the Thank-a-Thon: David Bailey ('65), treasurer; Stephanie Corso ('07); Bob Dandoy ('74), president-elect; Merrilyn Dunlap ('93); Tiki Kahle ('87); Pat Kahle ('92); Ron Lucas ('82); Richard Malacarne ('63); Deborah McNerney ('06, '07); Jean Mills ('59, '74); and Ashley Stroup-McCauley ('06).
Following the event, 11 board members, their guests, and Eagle Ambassadors - a student group that supports the efforts of the Alumni Association by volunteering at various university events - were special guests of Athletic Director Dave Katis ('85, '88) at the men's basketball game against Mercyhurst, cheering them on to victory.
